Tarsal tunnel

The tarsal tunnel is a fibro-osseous anatomical space located on the medial side of the ankle. It is bounded by the flexor retinaculum of ankle (also known as the laciniate ligament) on the medial side, the medial malleolus of the tibia anteriorly, and the calcaneus posteriorly. The tarsal tunnel serves as a passageway for several important structures:

1. Tibial nerve: This nerve bifurcates into the medial and lateral plantar nerves within the tunnel in the majority of cases.[1-2]

2. Posterior tibial artery: This artery also bifurcates within the tarsal tunnel, typically into the medial and lateral plantar arteries.[1-2]

3. Posterior tibial veins: These veins accompany the posterior tibial artery.

4. Tendons: The tendons of the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus muscles pass through the tarsal tunnel.

The anatomical arrangement of these structures is crucial for understanding conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, where compression of the tibial nerve within this confined space can lead to neuropathic symptoms.